Wait finally over for A-Level students

A-Level students at Saffron Walden County High School celebrate their results: Paulo Orrock (AAAB), Gerald Hawkins (AAAAA), Andrew Revell (AAAB), James King (AAAAA), Robert Hayes (AAAA), Madeline Ralp

EMOTIONS were running high for students when they collected their A-Level results today (Thursday August 14). For anxious pupils at Saffron Walden County High School (SWCHS), Friends School in Saffron Walden and Newport Free Grammar School the wait was f

EMOTIONS were running high for students when they collected their A-Level results today (Thursday August 14).

For anxious pupils at Saffron Walden County High School (SWCHS), Friends' School in Saffron Walden and Newport Free Grammar School the wait was finally over.

"I'm absolutely delighted with my results," said four-A student Natalie Christie. "It was a nerve-wracking moment, but I've got the grades I need to get into Cambridge."

Natalie, who is two days shy of her 18th birthday, achieved A grades in chemistry, physics, maths and general studies and will now study natural sciences at university. She is one of seven students from SWCHS to be accepted at either Cambridge or Oxford universities.

A record-breaking 34 students from the school gained three or more A grades and three students achieved five grade A passes. Nearly all of the pupils have been accepted at their first choice university.

Brainy James King collected five grade As in maths, further maths, geology, chemistry and general studies. He will head to Bath University to study maths.

Headteacher John Hartley said: "These outstanding results have been achieved through a combination of an immense amount of hard work by the students, consistently high quality teaching and a system of tutorial support focused on maximising the achievement of each individual."

For the fourth year in a row A-Level students at Friends' School achieved a 100 per cent pass rate with 82 per cent of results being A to C.

Headteacher Graham Wigley said: "This year's results continue the strong upward trend that Friends' results have shown at A-Level over the past five years and reflect the hard work of the students and the dedication and skill of their teachers. The whole school community will feel extremely satisfied as our students head off to their chosen universities."

The results did not quite match the school's record-breaking figures from last year, but Mr Wigley said the students "did themselves proud," and many "exceeded expectations".

Newport Free Grammar School was also celebrating their A-Level students' 100 per cent pass rate with 74 per cent achieving A to C grades.